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When Logitech announced its Joystick for iPad last month, I was skeptical. Based on the photos alone, the suction-cup-based controller looked to be identical to Ten One Design’s Fling Joystick for iPad. Not that there’s anything wrong with that, but why reinvent the wheel?
No, no, a Logitech rep assured me. Its joystick features “a unique dual spring design crafted by Logitech engineers for optimal game performance and usability.” Which kind of reminded me of when Vanilla Ice tried to explain how “Ice, Ice Baby” didn’t rip off David Bowie’s “Under Pressure.”
Anyway, now that I’ve got Logitech’s iPad joystick in hand (make that under thumb), I can confirm that the two products are not, in fact, identical. Instead, they’re like twins, except one of them has been eating better and is therefore slightly taller.
Specifically, the Logitech joystick measures roughly half an inch longer than the Fling, and has slightly larger suction cups. That means you get a bit more movement area from the joystick itself–a bit more play–but I can’t say this made any noticeable difference in the games I tried.
(Among the best candidates for a suction-cup ‘stick like this: Dead Space, NBA Jam, LEGO Harry Potter, and just about any game that uses an onscreen D-pad–preferably one you can position manually.)
Like the Fling, the Logitech joystick comes with a soft drawstring carrying case. And, like the Fling, it sells for $20. However, Ten One Design offers a two-pack for $30, which Logitech does not. (If you favor games that use dual onscreen joysticks, two Flings are definitely better than one.)
Ultimately, both products are great for iPad gamers. I guess the only real problem is deciding which one to buy.
